ST. CLOUD, Minn. — Bemidji St. (6-10, 3-8 NSIC) fell to St. Cloud St. (12-5, 9-2 NSIC) with a final score of 66-55 on Friday night at Halenbeck Hall. The Beavers managed to score 30 points in the paint but were held to just one successful 3-pointer out of 14 attempts.
 
Bemidji State began the first half with an early lead, paced by Henry Shannon III's block and subsequent defensive rebound. Notably, Brock Heffner made his debut in a Beaver jersey tonight, adding a fresh dynamic to the team. John Pecarich's layup at 18:31 started the scoring for the Beavers, and Dominic Fairbanks added a jumper to extend their advantage to 4-2.
 
As the half progressed, the Beavers maintained momentum with significant contributions from Austin Josephson, who secured several offensive rebounds, and a key 3-pointer by Pecarich at 7:19, tying the score at 17. However, despite a strong effort, Bemidji State faced challenges as St. Cloud St. capitalized on free throws and a series of successful jumpers, opening a 40-27 lead by the end of the half.
 
Bemidji St. opened the second half by cutting into the Huskies' lead with a series of successful plays in the paint. Eddie Jallow Hedqvist scored early with a layup, assisted by Pecarich, to start the scoring for the visitors. Josephson followed with a productive stretch, contributing both offensively and defensively, including a layup and two free throws that helped narrow the gap to 46–39.
 
Shannon III made a significant impact with a defensive block, followed by a layup, maintaining the pressure on the Huskies. The Beavers continued to capitalize on their opportunities, with Shannon III and Brock Heffner each adding points, keeping them within reach. Despite the Huskies' efforts to extend their lead with timely 3-pointers from Luke Winkel, the Beavers outscored the opponents 28–26 in the half, closing the gap to a 66–55 deficit.
 
Shannon III led the team by scoring 14 points and blocking three shots, contributing significantly on both ends of the court. Pecarich added 13 points and made two assists, playing a crucial role in the offense. Josephson recorded a double-double with 11 points and 14 rebounds, while also collecting two steals to aid the defense. Hedqvist contributed with four rebounds and three assists, providing support in various aspects of the game.
 
Bemidji State stands at 6-10 overall and 3-8 in NSIC competition. St. Cloud State holds a 12-5 overall record and a 9-2 mark in NSIC play. In their next game, the Beavers will travel to face Minnesota State University, Mankato on Saturday, Jan. 17. Tip-off is set for 3:30 p.m. at the Taylor Center in Mankato, Minnesota.
 
For more information on the Bemidji State Men's Basketball program, tickets or schedules, visit BSUBeavers.com, follow the Beavers on X (@BSUBeaversMBB), like them on Facebook (facebook.com/BSUBeavers) and like them on Instagram (@BSUBeaversMBB).
 
Located on the shore of Lake Bemidji, Bemidji State University sponsors 15 varsity athletic programs with NCAA Division I men's and women's hockey membership in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association and Western Collegiate Hockey Association, while its 13 NCAA Division II programs hold membership in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC).